Spending lots of time inside now a days offers more time for me to experiment with some new projects. I have always loved the gnomes and how adorable they plus how they make great gifts to cheer anyone up! But I wanted to make them a little more character like and came upon this idea…Stand UP gnomes. Not only do they stand, have adorable feet, but I can make some fun characters out of each one. I began with my first two and I think they turned out pretty cute.

What do you think?

I just love her! Praying Momma was my first try. Holding her bible and always praying!

This one was a little more challenging using old jeans. I also used my Cricut for the words on his bucket as well as the strawberry image. Guess what the bucket is? I also added a back pack. Just so dang cute!

I love doing these little guys!

Gotta have a picnic blanket just in case!

If you want to know how to make these, I am doing a step by step blog soon. I have plans for many more fun characters!

They are for sale too, all proceed help our ranch ministry! $30 each.

Enjoy your days of crafting! Mine will be slowing down now that ministry is kicking into season. But I will be right back at it as soon as the temps turn cooler!

Hope you enjoyed these little cuties!

Love deeper, talk sweeter,

Lee

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Food, Healthy Eating

Crispy Zucchini Appetizer

By Lee Shelstad on

May 7, 2020

- Food, Healthy Eating

My daughter and I are trying to cut down a few pounds. Unforntatley she got injured and can’t run, ride horses, or really much of anything so the one thing we can do is eat healthier.

We decided to try a low carb eating routine. I hate using the word “diet” as it just gets my thoughts in the wrong place instead of just reminding myself to make better choices. One habit for sure had to go is NOT eating desserts. At least until I get to half my goal weight. I do believe in setting goals than rewarding oneself. It helps the motivation part!

So far so good! In the first week, I dropped 5 pounds. Now it’s slowing down a bit to just 2 a week. As I am writing this I can tell you one thing for sure, I FEEL better already!

Here is a recipe my hubby and I had for an appetizer along with cheese sourdough crackers. We topped the dinner off with a wonderful, flavorful Brussel sprouts salad. It really was a special dinner and it just made you feel good!

Ingredients:

2 small zucchinis
2 eggs
3/4 cup almond flour
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup bread crumbs with your favorite herbs (I love thyme, sage, basil)
3/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese
salt and pepper about 1/2 tsp each
olive oil for frying

Dipping Sauce:

1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 1/2 tbsp.Liquid Aminos
1 1/2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 1/2 cup apricot preserves (gotta keep this in your refrigerator as it is a must for good flavor sauces)
Blend together and set aside for dipping

Directions:

Cut zucchinis 1/4 inch rounds, keep the skin on
Whisk eggs in a bowl by themselves
Mix almond flour, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese and salt and pepper in another bowl.
Get you oil into a cast iron pan which should be enough to coat the bottom of the pan pretty well.
Dip each zucchini into egg bowl covering both sides, then dip into the flour mixture, set on wire rack.
Add your circled zucchini’s into fry pan 2-4 at a time. (Oil should sizzle and envelop the circles.) Fry for 1-2 minutes then flip and do the other side. I use tongs and wear an oven mitt as this can splatter

Amazing taste especially with the zest of the dipping sauce!

Enjoy this low cal low carb appetizer and feel AWESOME with no guilt!

Love deeper, talk sweeter, eat healthier,

Lee

Crafts, Sewing

Stand Up for Gnomes